>First you can test to see if the file even exists using the *file()* function. Use the textbox value and add ".DBF" to it for testing. Use can use *on error* to trap errors. Then, try to open the table. If all passes, then execute the query.

Thanks for the fast response, Mark. I already use FILE() to make sure the selected/specified table already exists and also test for a .DBF extension. But I hadn't thought of trying to USE the file before trying it in the select and messing with my framework's ON ERROR to intercept error 15. Okay, we'll give that a try. (I'm always nervous working AGAINST what the Framework wants to do.)

I had been playing with FOPEN(&TheirFile) and FREAD() and HEADER() to see if there wasn't something in the header of the file that I could evaluate ... come to think of it, I seem to recall an FPA article my Max Rubel on the subject ... I'll go look.

Thanks again.

(How are things in Dallas?)